A five-a-side football tournament to raise funds for mental health charity Mind will be taking place in Southend later this month.

The event, which is being organised by Run Free, will take place at Garon Park on Saturday June 11.

And Run Free’s Sarah Franklin is hoping for another afternoon to remember.

“We held the tournament last year for the first time and it went really well so hopefully it will be the same again this year too,” said Franklin.

“We had 20 teams coming along to play last time and we ended up raising around £1,500 for South East and Central Essex Mind which we were delighted with.

“Now we’re planning for more of the same and we do still have a few places for teams to get involved so we’d love to get more signed up to make the day as successful as we can.”

The tournament, which is being sponsored by the Finish Line Fund, will run between 5pm and 10pm and will start in a round robin group basis before advancing on to the knock out stages.

But organisers are keen to stress the day will be more about fun than the actual football.

“Of course people will want to win but it’s very much about getting out to enjoy the day and some football for a good cause rather than it being a full on serious event where people focus purely on getting their hands on the trophy,” said Franklin.

“We’re keen to get that message across while also raising awareness of mental health issues to encourage those struggling to speak out and realise they aren’t alone.

“We were heavily involved in the match to remember Chris Barker at Roots Hall at the weekend and we will continue to do all we can to ensure people do not suffer in silence.

“Going out and getting exercise makes a huge difference too and that’s what we’re all about.”

Run Free uses the power of sport to help those who suffer with mental health issues and get together to train every other Friday at Garon Park.

Several fundraisers have also taken place and 50 per cent of the money raised from the tournament will go towards Run Free’s pitch hire for their training sessions for the remainder of the year.

Teams are able to bring a squad of up to eight players to the tournament for the cost of £50.

For more details contact @RunFreeOfficial on Twitter or email officialrunfree@gmail.com